One-dimensional crystals for low-temperature thermoelectric cooling

Researchers studied the thermal and electrical properties of one-dimensional crystals composed of tantalum, silicon and tellurium for thermoelectric cooling at temperatures below 250 K (-23°C). The thermoelectric characteristics of these crystals were varied at temperatures ranging from the cryogenic level of 50 K up to room temperature by doping with molybdenum and antimony. The crystals' thermoelectric power factors greatly exceeded those of conventional materials around room temperature, indicating their suitability for low-temperature applications.